Looking for an easy dinner that’s packed with flavor and texture? This Crispy Baked Panko Chicken is the perfect solution. With juicy, tender chicken on the inside and a golden, crunchy coating on the outside, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Finished with a light drizzle of sweet (and optional spicy) honey, every bite hits the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and slightly sweet.
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick – Ready in about 25 minutes
- Crispy without frying – Oven-baked perfection
- Juicy inside, crunchy outside
- Simple ingredients you already have
- Family-friendly with optional spice
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken breast cutlets (thin slices)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
For the Panko Coating
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
For the Honey Drizzle
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the panko mixture:
In a bowl, combine panko, paprika, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Pour melted butter over the crumbs and mix well. - Season the chicken:
Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. - Add mayo coating:
Spread a very thin layer of mayonnaise on top of each chicken piece. - Coat with crumbs:
Press the mayo side into the panko mixture.
Place chicken on a baking sheet, crumb side up. - Bake:
Cook for 10–15 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). - Prepare honey drizzle:
Mix honey with red pepper flakes (optional). - Finish & serve:
Drizzle honey over hot chicken and serve immediately.
💡 Tips for Perfect Results
- Use thin chicken cutlets for even cooking and crispiness
- Don’t overdo the mayo—just a thin layer
- Bake on a large sheet pan, not a crowded dish
- Check early to avoid overcooking
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Fresh salad
- Garlic bread
🔥 Crispy, juicy, and incredibly easy—this baked panko chicken will quickly become a weeknight favorite!